williamlayton
Member
Actually---getting away from my snide remark---I find that taking a defensive driving course helps me to regain focus and improves my driving habits.
Blessings
Blessings
At What Age Should Drivers be Tested Yearly
- Thread starter finesse_r
- Start date
GRIZZLYBEAR
US Veteran
I think the retesting should be based on the individual, look at chargeable accidents, moving traffic violations, etc.. Don't base on age but prior performance
joeintexas
US Veteran
This thread reminded me of when my dad quit driving. He was well into his 80s and lived in a small town. He called me and said he was giving up driving, I asked what had happened, he said he had driven to town and his vision was pretty bad, he said, " I know for a fact that today my driving made Christians out of at least 25 people!"
labworm
US Veteran
Just think of what is around you daily.
Drivers on prescription drugs, on illegal drugs, alcohol, texting, cell phone users, eating and drinking beverages, young and old, and a large group that are just ignorant and pay no attention to the driving laws.
Really, where do we start?
Drivers on prescription drugs, on illegal drugs, alcohol, texting, cell phone users, eating and drinking beverages, young and old, and a large group that are just ignorant and pay no attention to the driving laws.
Really, where do we start?
We get glasses because we don't see as well as we used to, we get hearing aids because we can't hear like we use to, we use canes because we can't move like we use to, but by gawd I can still drive better than the 20 year olds around here.
I teach a driver refresher course for senior citizens, and I hear that sentiment expressed over and over in my classes.
I try to instill the idea as we age our bodies change and we have to adapt our attitude and tactics in order to continue driving safely for as long as reasonably possible.
Once in a while somebody comes up after class and tells me I have given them some things to think about and they are going to change some things.
I've done my job.
Bottom line, we need to be honest with ourselves and also listen to our kids and friends when they bring the up the subject.
They probably want to talk to you about it less than you want to hear it.
I teach a driver refresher course for senior citizens, and I hear that sentiment expressed over and over in my classes.
I try to instill the idea as we age our bodies change and we have to adapt our attitude and tactics in order to continue driving safely for as long as reasonably possible.
Once in a while somebody comes up after class and tells me I have given them some things to think about and they are going to change some things.
I've done my job.
Bottom line, we need to be honest with ourselves and also listen to our kids and friends when they bring the up the subject.
They probably want to talk to you about it less than you want to hear it.
hangnoose
Member
IN FLORIDUH
After the first time they drive into/inside of a local business. When you see a storefront window covered in plywood, you don't even have to ask what happened. It happened to a video game store right next door to our store. More of the car was inside than out. Luckily the store was closed. 30 minutes later the cashier and who knows how many gamers would have been killed/hurt.
After the first time they drive into/inside of a local business. When you see a storefront window covered in plywood, you don't even have to ask what happened. It happened to a video game store right next door to our store. More of the car was inside than out. Luckily the store was closed. 30 minutes later the cashier and who knows how many gamers would have been killed/hurt.
BigCityChief
Member
18
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kozmic
Member
The day my driving is worse than 1/2 the dillweeds behind the wheel I will voluntarily surrender my license.
I aughta be good 'til I'm in my mid hundreds.
At 56 I feel like my driving is as good as it has ever been. My problem is I forget where the hell I'm going.
I aughta be good 'til I'm in my mid hundreds.
At 56 I feel like my driving is as good as it has ever been. My problem is I forget where the hell I'm going.
Cdog
Member
I could come up with several quips on this subject, but I'm going straight on this post.
In all honesty, the thoughts of meeting a distracted 16 year old concerns me much more than meeting many 80 year old people I know.
Tough subject. I'd hate to see a safe driver lose their ability/freedom to drive because someone at the DDS is having an off day.
In all honesty, the thoughts of meeting a distracted 16 year old concerns me much more than meeting many 80 year old people I know.
Tough subject. I'd hate to see a safe driver lose their ability/freedom to drive because someone at the DDS is having an off day.
Grayfox
US Veteran
Retesting should only be required if there is a problem such as too many moving violations or accidents. It should be required to get a suspended license reinstated. Age shouldn't be a factor.
I'm 60 and have had a Commercial Driving liscense for 40 years. I've driven everything from motorcycles to tractor/trailers. I haven't had a ticket or accident in over 20 years. Don't tell me that I need a retest just because I'm getting old.
I'm 60 and have had a Commercial Driving liscense for 40 years. I've driven everything from motorcycles to tractor/trailers. I haven't had a ticket or accident in over 20 years. Don't tell me that I need a retest just because I'm getting old.
USAF385
US Veteran
You'll never be able to test for idiots who will eat a hamburger with one hand while texting with the other or applying make up. Nor will you be able to test to see who will drive recklessly ignoring the speed limit or weave in and out of traffic.
It is probably idiots like that who make up more of the dangerous driver population.
However, as far as testing for age is concerned, maybe a general reflex and sight / hearing test could be had..... and not at the DMV, but the doctor. At what age do you start? I can't say. However, maybe once you reach that age, the doctor would recommend in how long you should have a reevaluation.
I don't know. I'm just thinking out loud
It is probably idiots like that who make up more of the dangerous driver population.
However, as far as testing for age is concerned, maybe a general reflex and sight / hearing test could be had..... and not at the DMV, but the doctor. At what age do you start? I can't say. However, maybe once you reach that age, the doctor would recommend in how long you should have a reevaluation.
I don't know. I'm just thinking out loud
USAF385
US Veteran
I will add that the three fender bender type incidences I have ever been involved in all included an elderly driver.
First, an elderly woman tried to pull into a parking spot next to me and scraped me even though there were no obstructions around her.
Second, an older man decided to merge into the right lane even though my truck was clearly directly next to him in that lane.... so instead he merged into me... and he was in a smaller sedan and in no way could have not seen me
Last and most ridiculous, an elderly gent in front of me was stopped at a stop sign in a parking lot..... then he popped his car into reverse and backed straight up into me. I guess he wanted a spot he saw he had passed and decided to back up so he could turn into the row.... He just forgot to check to see if he COULD back up.
None of these involved "distracted driving". Just poor ability.
First, an elderly woman tried to pull into a parking spot next to me and scraped me even though there were no obstructions around her.
Second, an older man decided to merge into the right lane even though my truck was clearly directly next to him in that lane.... so instead he merged into me... and he was in a smaller sedan and in no way could have not seen me
Last and most ridiculous, an elderly gent in front of me was stopped at a stop sign in a parking lot..... then he popped his car into reverse and backed straight up into me. I guess he wanted a spot he saw he had passed and decided to back up so he could turn into the row.... He just forgot to check to see if he COULD back up.
None of these involved "distracted driving". Just poor ability.
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Reminds me of a story:
Grandma calls grandpa on his cell phone to warn him that she just saw on TV that a driver was driving the wrong way on the highway near their home.
Grandpa responds, "Hell honey I'm on the highway now and they're ALL driving the wrong way!!"
Grandma calls grandpa on his cell phone to warn him that she just saw on TV that a driver was driving the wrong way on the highway near their home.
Grandpa responds, "Hell honey I'm on the highway now and they're ALL driving the wrong way!!"
kenv1950
Member
Under 30.
I agree, the only problems I've ever had on the road were young people in a hurry.... and I've been driving for 50yrs. without incidence or a ticket... SO YES, 30 AND YOUNGER..HAVE SOME RESPECT AND PATIENTS FOR OLDER DRIVER, If the younger people weren't in such a hurry all the time they wouldn't have problems.. If older drivers are so bad why is insurance higher for the younger you are ?
MrJT
US Veteran
However, as far as testing for age is concerned, maybe a general reflex and sight / hearing test could be had..... and not at the DMV, but the doctor. At what age do you start? I can't say. However, maybe once you reach that age, the doctor would recommend in how long you should have a reevaluation.
I don't know. I'm just thinking out loud
A logical approach.
MrJT
US Veteran
I'm getting up there.... to the age where most start to say let's test em. And I agree.
I feel I'm safe. I follow speed limits and obey traffic laws, but in my day to day life I can feel my reflexes aren't what they once were.
I like USAF's idea of a clinical exam rather than a dmv test.
I feel I'm safe. I follow speed limits and obey traffic laws, but in my day to day life I can feel my reflexes aren't what they once were.
I like USAF's idea of a clinical exam rather than a dmv test.
jarhead1178
US Veteran
I'm 81 and still think I drive pretty good. Concession to age drive the posted speed limit, keep to the right lane. Try to drive as night as little as possible, I do notice I have a harder time turning right into dark unlit streets. I think I'll know when its time to quit.
italiansport
Member
I had to get my license renewed a couple of years ago when I turned 70. They couldn't believe I passed the vision test without glasses! I have been driving for over 50 years and been involved in 2 accidents both of which resulted in charges against the other driver.
I don't think an arbitrary age can be set to start restricting someones driving but I do agree there's a lot of elderly people on the read that perhaps shouldn't be there.
I live in a large "Snowbird" community in Arizona and as soon as you see a Buick or Cadillac or any other "senior sled" during the Winter months particularly with out-of-state plates it put's you on your guard.
Jim
I don't think an arbitrary age can be set to start restricting someones driving but I do agree there's a lot of elderly people on the read that perhaps shouldn't be there.
I live in a large "Snowbird" community in Arizona and as soon as you see a Buick or Cadillac or any other "senior sled" during the Winter months particularly with out-of-state plates it put's you on your guard.
Jim
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I angrily submitted a post about elderly drivers about a year ago and got blasted out of the water. And deservedly so I might add.
Yes, there are many elderly drivers that may need remedial training. They sometimes drive too slow or to fast. They are sometimes indecisive and slow to act or react. Sometimes they are a danger to themselves and others.
But I ask, is the lady driving her big SUV or Mercedes while texting any more or less dangerous. How about the stupid kid with his "tuner" car leap frogging in the traffic at 2000 MPH?
Or the dump truck driver driving like he's in a Ferrari?
Around here, dangerous drivers are usually younger. Male or female. And various ages. A very high percentage of the accidents involve younger drivers that drive too fast.
I mean really, how the hell do roll over a vehicle in heavy traffic and dry pavement?
Yes, there are many elderly drivers that may need remedial training. They sometimes drive too slow or to fast. They are sometimes indecisive and slow to act or react. Sometimes they are a danger to themselves and others.
But I ask, is the lady driving her big SUV or Mercedes while texting any more or less dangerous. How about the stupid kid with his "tuner" car leap frogging in the traffic at 2000 MPH?
Or the dump truck driver driving like he's in a Ferrari?
Around here, dangerous drivers are usually younger. Male or female. And various ages. A very high percentage of the accidents involve younger drivers that drive too fast.
I mean really, how the hell do roll over a vehicle in heavy traffic and dry pavement?
tbgunner88
Member
This hits home, a cousin of mine and his co worker were recently killed in a head on collision by a 90 year old man driving in the wrong lane. It is a subject worthy of more discussion. Police identify passengers involved in fatal Giles County crash - Giles County News - Mobile
